Portable projectors aren’t always easy to find. In most cases, they end up giving you a really nice image at around 10 to 30 inches on the wall but fade out if you try to go any bigger. Especially, if you play around with some of the “pico” options out there. However, once in a blue moon, you happen across a jewel that can do much more. Something that can provide you with a huge image with noticeable detail. Something like XGIMI’s Halo+ projector.
This is a slight upgrade from the company’s previous Halo projector (that we covered recently). In many ways, it is quite similar, only with a few tweaks to make it just as interesting as the XGIMI Elfin (non-portable) model. Making this the best of both worlds.
Of course, in order to gain the qualities of such a projector, it does come with a higher price point. This model is for serious users looking for something they can depend on while keeping a small footprint and making it as portable as possible.
The design of the projector is almost identical to the original Halo model, including in weight (around 3.5 lbs). This makes it pretty easy to drag around with you, even if it’s outside or to throw in the back of your camper.
At first glance, it really does look identical–outside of a single visual. The built-in camera that is used to auto-correct the image was moved from the left of the lens to near the bottom of the unit, as you can see in the image above. Beyond that though, all the changes occur within.
The same two 5W harman/kardon speakers exist within the projector, providing noticeable sound. Of course, it isn’t going to compare to anything like a soundbar or a full-range system. However, you’d be surprised by how loud they can get and how low they can go (bass). We had previously likened them to a typical $100 Bluetooth speaker and our thoughts haven’t changed one bit (maybe even a tad better than that). The sound is great for such a small projector.
Of course, if you are looking for something impressive, you will want to include an external solution for audio. Especially if you are looking for surround effects.
Three simple touch-sensitive buttons are located across the top of the unit. These are mostly for play/pause and volume. For anything else, you’d be using the remote or your voice. In fact, you most likely would always be using the remote/voice (it’s like the buttons on top of an Alexa speaker that most everyone ignores).
The buttons are simply there for added convenience it seems.
The backside of the unit contains a power button. This is used for manually turning it on or off without having to use the remote You will also be using this when turning it on for the first time as the remote will need to be paired before it can be used with the projector.
This is also where your physical inputs are located, A USB connect for media playback (video, music, images, etc). An HDMI port for devices that do not support wireless casting. A headphone jack that can also be used to send line-level audio to any stereo source (ie, a pair of external speakers that take a 3.5mm input. Then there is a power input for the cable that comes with it (used for charging the projector or simply using it with wall power).
When not using it with wall power, there is a 59Wh battery inside that allows you to use it without a single cable plugged into it. You can get up to 2 hours of video consumption with a full charge, which should get you through most movies out there. It isn’t much, but the ability to go wireless for an entire movie is pretty powerful if you consider how much energy projectors consume typically.
That being said, it would have been nice to see 3-4 hours out of the unit, giving you plenty more playtime during your travels.
It can also be used as a portable Bluetooth speaker, which may give you a little more battery life if all you are worrying about is listening vs actively watching videos.
The remote is the same remote that comes with most of XGIMI’s projector models. At least, it has been the same one we have come across thus far. It’s a simple remote that gets the job done since you don’t really need much.
The top three (black) buttons include a power button, a menu button, and a trigger for Google Assistant. The last one being one of your most powerful tools when it comes to searching for content. Nothing is as fast as picking up the remote, pressing that button, and telling it to play your favorite movie on Netflix (or video on YouTube). Like “search YouTube for Poc Network!”, as that is always a wonderful way of testing to make sure your digital assistant knows what it is doing!
Then you have an input and menu button. Below that is a direction pad with an enter/ok button in the middle. Below that, a “back” and “home” button, then finally a volume toggle at the bottom. That last button can also be used for manually dialing in the focus. This is done by switching a small little switch at the bottom side of the remote (between volume and focus).
It features a brightness of 900 lumens, making it pretty powerful for its size. It’s also a tad brighter than the previous model. This is where some of the internal enhancements begin to make their presence. This is all dependant on how you are using the projector as your best performance is going to come from being plugged into the wall. However, even in battery mode, the image is quite impressive.
So you may want to refer to the brightness as being around 600-900 lumens (battery vs wall-powered). This is quite common with most portable models that also offer wall power though.
It does support the display of 3D content. However, you’ll have to be feeding it with something that also supports it. For example, a 3D Bluray running through PowerDVD, or a Bluray player than supposed 3D. Not that many consumers even bother with 3D anymore. We likely won’t see this take back off until 3D becomes so much more than what we see today.
Auto image correction is where all of XGIMI’s models really shine. That and the brightness and clarity of some of these models. Oh, and overall size. In the end, there are quite a few things that help to sell these projectors, despite their price (you really do get what you pay for).
When you turn on the projector, it will automatically use the built-in camera to adjust itself by projecting a test pattern on the surface you are projecting against. This is also something that has been improved on since the original Halo.
Not only does it auto-focus, but it will auto keystone itself into a proper rectangular 16:9 image. Not only does it do this, but it will also size itself to fit the area you are projecting against, attempting to avoid anything on the wall that might get in the way (picture frames, light switches, decor, door frames, etc). This allows you to drop it somewhere, point it at an open surface somewhere, and turn it on. It will do the rest for you. It does this better than the original Halo and copies the capabilities of the XGIMI Elfin model (the upgraded features of Elfin within the mobile design of the Halo.
The only thing it fails on is corners. If you shoot it where it is running across corners of a wall (hitting more than one wall), it won’t know what to do and the final result won’t be usable, causing you to have to adjust the projector. This is common with every projector we have played with that has some form of auto-anything. So you just have to make sure you are pointing it at a single wall.
It will also only size downward since the size of the image ultimately depends on how far away the projector is from the wall. If you want a larger image, you have to pull the projector further away from the surface you are projecting against. This provides its maximum surface area and then it sizes down to avoid objects or to keystone when needed.
Tip: When shooting it at a screen of any sort, make sure the borders of the screen are clearly visible and (as mentioned) that the projector is over-shooting the space so it can size down and into the framed area. It should auto-size the picture to fit right into the space or screen every time. If any side of the border is missing or hard to see, it may not work properly. We’ve tried this by using tripod screens with black borders all around, as well as framing a 16:9 area on the wall with thin wood (baseboard), and it worked every time, fitting the image perfectly into the given space.
If you prefer more of a permanent install (sizing to a specific area or screen), you’ll have to dial things in manually since it isn’t smart though to recognize a projection screen to fit the image perfectly to size (yet). I’m sure the company is actively working on making this possible with future models (or even future firmware updates–who knows).
You can get up to a 200″ image while still getting the most out of brightness and clarity. As mentioned, you’ll be surprised by how nice it really looks for such a small projector. You can get an idea from the video that will be made available below the conclusion (in the near future, if not already).
What really wraps things up is the fact that the projector features Android TV 10.0, which immediately gives you access to all of your favorite apps. At least, as long as you have access to Wi-Fi (let it be a nearby network, or using your phone as a hotspot). If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, you’ll have to use the USB port or a wired device (or cast wirelessly from a mobile device that has media saved on it for offline consumption).
Also the low latency of just 26.5 milliseconds, which makes it a viable option for gaming as well (as long as you aren’t playing heavily competitive multi-player modes.
Optional Accessories
XGIMI does offer an optional stand for its projectors. It’s called the X-Desktop Stand Pro, and allows you to add height to the projector’s placement, as well as giving you full angle control both up and down and tilting left to right (in case your surface area isn’t 100% level). It also looks really nice (and well-manufactured).
The only catch is the price. It will run you $89-$99 for the stand, which feels a bit much. They may be hoping that it will seem more affordable than it really is if you compare it side-by-side to the cost of any of the XGIMI projectors. However, we tend to lean more toward the competitive nature of a product. The stand doesn’t feel so competitive.
Thankfully, you can find alternatives out there at a better price point. One example can be found here for around $35, which feels a bit better.
This doesn’t take away from the score of the projector though, since this is just an optional accessory.
Then you have additional devices you can connect to it, like most Android projectors with Bluetooth. You can connect Bluetooth headphones to the projector (so not only can it be used as a Bluetooth speaker connected to another device, but it can also connect to Bluetooth devices to send audio as well, including other Bluetooth speakers, stereos, or headphones).
Availability
The Halo+ just launched via XGIMI’s website and you will likely find it become available shortly via select retailers online once inventory rolls out. The MSRP is $849.
*(Update: we found it available from AliExpress [link/button below])
Our Conclusion
This is another solid model coming from XGIMI. Offering a wonderful image that is both bright and crisp. The color profile is impressive for its size and the auto image correction is such a big sale for those looking for a quick setup.
It would have been nice to see a little bit better performance battery-wise, but you will still be able to get through the average-length movie. Especially, for the price. This is a premium portable projector, so you are paying a premium price.
The optional stand is nice, but more affordable options are out there. You can still set the projector on a flat surface though, so the option of the stand is absolutely a combination of user preference and the location you are looking to use it in.
Video:
Additional Images:
Specifications:
- Product Classification: Portable projector / DLP
- Standard Resolution: 1920×1080
- 3D: Yes
- HDR 10+: Yes
- Display Chip: 0.33”DMD
- Brightness: 900 ANSI Lumens
- Keystone Correction: 45° vertical and horizontal auto keystone correction
- Throw Ratio: 1.2:1
- Projection Method: Forward / backward / hang ceiling
- RAM: 2GB
- Internal Storage: 16GB
- Speaker: 2 x 5W Harman/Kardon, Dolby Audio, DTS-HD&DTS Premium Sound
- OS: Android 10.0 w/ Chromecast built-in
- Inputs: DC x 1 HDMI2.0 x 1 USB 2.0 x 1
- Outputs: 3.5mm headphone x 1
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band 2.4/5GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0/BLE
- Noise: < 30dB
- Power Dissipation: 90W
- Power: AC100-240V, 50/60Hz
- Battery Capacity: 59.4 Wh
- Weight: 3.5lbs
Size: 4.46 x 5.70 x 6.75 (inches)
Are you a manufacturer or distributor that would like us to test something out for review? Contact us and we can let you know where to send the product and we will try it out.
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1 Comment
Got one. Good work, you sold me dangit. I blame you but actually like it so far.